If you’re craving a dish that feels both indulgent and effortless, this Easy Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, flavorful, and full of delicate smoky notes, it comes together in under 20 minutes using simple ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels elegant without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in how straightforward yet thoughtful the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, adding richness, brightness, or that irresistible creamy texture that brings the dish to life.
- 4 ounces uncooked pasta: Use your favorite shape—linguine, fettuccine, or penne all work beautifully for catching the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity base that helps the garlic and butter shine.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Provides a luscious richness essential for a silky sauce.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with a warm and aromatic undertone.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: A savory liquid that enriches the sauce without overpowering it.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine: Brings a subtle acidity that balances the creaminess and enhances the smoked salmon.
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds a bright, fresh note that lifts the entire dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill (or fresh): Complements the salmon perfectly with its herbal, slightly tangy flavor.
- 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates the creamy texture that makes this pasta so comforting.
- 3.5 ounces smoked salmon (torn into small pieces): The star ingredient that gives the dish its smoky, tender character.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together harmoniously.
- For serving – freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley (optional): Adds a savory and fresh finishing touch.
How to Make Easy Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection
Start by boiling a generous amount of salted water for your pasta. Cooking it al dente ensures you get the best texture—a little bite that holds up well when tossed with the luscious sauce. As the water nears a boil, you can begin preparing the sauce, making the whole process super efficient.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant without browning. This quick step unlocks the garlic’s aromatic potential, setting a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Add the chicken broth, dry white wine, lemon juice, and dill to your skillet. Let everything reduce by about half over 4 to 5 minutes. This reduction concentrates the flavors and melds the acidity with the herbal and savory notes, crafting a balanced and inviting sauce base.
Step 4: Add Cream for Creaminess
Pour in the heavy cream and let it cook gently for a couple of minutes. This thickens the sauce to a silky smooth consistency that will coat your pasta beautifully, adding richness without heaviness.
Step 5: Incorporate the Smoked Salmon
Stir in the torn smoked salmon, then immediately remove the pan from the heat. The residual warmth tenderly cooks the salmon pieces just enough to slightly change their texture while keeping them delectably soft and smoky. Season carefully with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain your pasta and toss it straight into the skillet with the sauce, ensuring every strand or bite is generously coated. This step ties together the smoky salmon, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta into one harmonious dish ready for serving.
How to Serve Easy Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth that complements the creaminess, while a scattering of chopped parsley brings a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. These little touches elevate your plate visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Serve this pasta alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, or some roasted asparagus for a nice contrast in texture and earthiness. A crusty loaf of bread is also perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce—because nothing should be wasted!
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, dish the pasta into warmed bowls or on plates with a small, elegant lemon wedge on the side. You can also drizzle a little quality olive oil on top for extra shine and flavor. Adding a few capers or thinly sliced radishes adds a playful, gourmet flair that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Easy Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain texture and flavor, add a splash of cream or broth upon reheating to revive the sauce.
Freezing
Because of the cream and smoked salmon, freezing isn’t ideal for this dish as it can alter the texture of both the pasta and the sauce. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Gently reheat your pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently until warmed through to preserve the silky sauce and keep the salmon tender.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked salmon?
While fresh salmon can be used, it won’t provide the distinctive smoky flavor that defines this recipe. If you decide to substitute, cook it fully in the sauce, but expect a different taste and texture.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Long, ribbon-like pastas such as linguine or fettuccine work beautifully because they hold the creamy sauce well, but short shapes like penne or farfalle are also delicious and practical.
Is there a non-alcoholic alternative to white wine?
Absolutely! Simply replace the white wine with extra chicken broth and a splash of white grape juice or a squeeze of lemon for that acidic brightness without the alcohol.
Can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cream alternative and vegan butter. Replace smoked salmon with smoked carrot strips or marinated tofu to keep that smoky element.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a little longer during the reduction stage or add a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) before adding the cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s quick enough for busy nights yet elegant enough to share with friends and family. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the comforting flavors that make this dish a new favorite in your recipe collection.
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Easy Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This easy smoked salmon pasta combines tender pasta tossed in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with garlic, white wine, chicken broth, and dill, topped with delicate smoked salmon. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect quick yet elegant meal for two.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 4 ounces uncooked pasta
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill (or fresh dill)
- 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 3.5 ounces smoked salmon, torn into small pieces
- Salt & pepper to taste
To Serve (Optional)
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions. While the water is coming to a boil, begin preparing the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth, dry white wine, lemon juice, and dill. Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally until reduced by half, approximately 4 to 5 minutes, intensifying the flavors.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes to blend and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Add Smoked Salmon: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the torn smoked salmon. The residual heat will warm and slightly cook the salmon, changing its texture while keeping it tender. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly and toss it in the skillet with the sauce until well coated.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the best flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta—al dente is best.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a milder flavor.
- Fresh dill can be used instead of dried for a brighter taste.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and omit parmesan cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid toughening the salmon.
